Compound K Increases Type I Procollagen Level and Decreases Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 Activity and Level in Ultraviolet-A-irradiated Fibroblasts

• Main Authors: Dawei He, Jianzhong Sun, Xiaodong Zhu, Shensheng Nian, Jun Liu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2011-03-01
• Series: Journal of the Formosan Medical Association
• Subjects: compound K; fibroblasts; ginsenoside; matrix metalloproteinase-1; type I collagen; UVA irradiation
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0929664611600259

Ginsenosides have many biomedical efficacies, such as anti-aging, antioxidation, and anti-inflammatory activities. Compound K (CK), one of the major metabolites of ginsenosides, mediates the antimetastatic and anti-allergic activities of the ginsenosides. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of CK on level of type I collagen, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 activity, and protein level in ultraviolet (UV)A-irradiated fibroblasts. Methods: Fibroblasts were cultured with and without CK (0.01 μM, 0.1 μM or 1 μM) for 2 hours. Cells were sham-irradiated and irradiated with 50 kJ/m2, 100 kJ/m2 or 200 kJ/m2 UVA, and incubated in serumfree Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium, with or without CK for 24 hours. MMP-1 activity in the supernatants and protein levels in the cells were assessed by zymography and western blotting, respectively. Level of type I collagen was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: MMP-1 activity and protein level were increased by UVA, which was downregulated by CK. Production of type I collagen was inhibited in UVA-irradiated fibroblasts, which was upregulated by CK. Conclusion: CK is a potential agent for the prevention and treatment of skin photo-aging.